Sudan: UN welcomes extension of vital aid corridor amid rising insecurity

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. The United Nations has welcomed Sudan’s decision to extend the opening of an aid corridor with neighbouring Chad and continues to express concern over the ongoing escalation in El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan state. The Sudanese authorities announced on Monday that the Adre border crossing – critical for humanitarian aid […]

Central African Republic peace gains must be preserved: UN envoy

This article is published in association with United Nations.This article is published in association with United Nations. The Central African Republic (CAR) “has made remarkable and tangible progress towards lasting peace and security” in recent years, but security remains fragile in border areas, including with war-torn Sudan, UN Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza told the Security Council on Tuesday.  Ms. Rugwabiza commended the Central African people and Government for their […]

Climate crisis: UN chief lays out solutions blueprint for clean energy transition

United Nations/Florence Mondou At London Climate Action Week on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres insisted it was time for AI to "come clean" about its environmental footprint from data centres, among other ambitious measures.This article is published in association with United Nations. As a deadly heatwave continued to grip Europe on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an impassioned appeal for more ambitious global action on climate change caused by fossil fuels, to prevent irreversible damage. In a major keynote speech at London Climate Action Week, the UN chief […]

Commission pays €846 million to Spain to support recovery following the 2024 Valencia region floods

This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved the payment of €846 million to Spain from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to support the reconstruction efforts after the devastating floods that struck the Valencia Region in October 2024. This amount complements an emergency advance of €100 million […]

Powering resilience: How Indonesia is building a more secure energy future

UN Indonesia Solar power is widely used on the islands of Java, Madura, and Bali.This article is published in association with United Nations. As countries grapple with energy price shocks, supply disruptions and the growing impacts of climate change, energy security has become a pressing concern.  In Indonesia, United Nations agencies have worked alongside the Government to build a more reliable and resilient energy system which is also helping communities to adapt to a […]

The hidden biodiversity battle to save Europe’s forests

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. In the village of Suonenjoki, the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) stands surrounded by a forest of pine trees. The local soils are not fertile and pine is pretty much the only species that can grow there. But in a […]

Georgia and Türkiye: No EU accession progress without reforms 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs warn of continued democratic backsliding in both countries and call for reforms and a stronger EU response. Georgia With serious continued democratic backsliding in Georgia, MEPs regret that the ruling Georgian Dream party has not taken any steps to reverse the negative trends. […]

New EU system for return of illegally staying third country nationals 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Wednesday, MEPs approved changes to EU policy on the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU. The new rules seek to simplify and speed up procedures, with full respect for fundamental rights and international law, including the principle of non-refoulement and […]

Parliament condemns Russia’s drone incursions in the EU 

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threatsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The EU will not be intimidated by Russia’s campaign of destabilisation and is determined to defend its security, MEPs say in a resolution adopted on Thursday. Drone incursions and airspace violations of EU territory are not isolated incidents but an integral part of Russia’s […]

Commission approves €1 billion Slovak State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity

The Commission today presented the Automotive Package to support the sector's efforts in the transition to clean mobility. It sets an ambitious yet pragmatic policy framework to ensure 2050 climate neutrality and strategic independence while providing more flexibility to manufacturers. It also responds to calls by EU industry to simplify rules. The automotive sector has been key to Europe's industrial strength for decades, sustaining millions of jobs and driving technological innovation. As the world is changing, the car industry is transforming through new technologies and actors. Today's package maintains a strong market signal for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) while giving the industry more flexibility to achieve CO2 targets, and supports vehicles and batteries made in the European Union. The corporate vehicles initiative will support the uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles. The automotive omnibus enhances competitiveness by saving costs, expected to be approximately €706 million per year, and cutting red tape, while providing greater investment certainty. Commission President von der Leyen said: “Innovation. Clean mobility. Competitiveness. This year, these were top priorities in our intense dialogues with automotive sector, civil society organisations and stakeholders. And today, we are addressing them all together. As technology rapidly transforms mobility and geopolitics reshapes global competition, Europe remains at the forefront of the global clean transition.” Staying the course towards clean mobility with pragmatism The Commission presents a package that addresses both supply and demand of the automotive sector's transition: on the supply side, it presents a review of the existing CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and a targeted amendment to those for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). On the demand side, it proposes an initiative to decarbonise corporate vehicles with binding national targets for zero- and low-emission vehicles. The CO2 standards now provide further flexibilities to support the industry and enhance technological neutrality, while providing predictability to manufacturers and maintaining clear market signal towards electrification. From 2035 onwards, carmakers will need to comply with a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target, while the remaining 10% emissions will need to be compensated through the use of low-carbon steel Made in the Union, or from e-fuels and biofuels. This will allow for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles to still play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full electric (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles. Prior to 2035, car manufacturers will be able to benefit from “super credits” for small affordable electric cars made in the European Union. This will incentivise the deployment on the market of more small EV models. For the 2030 target for cars and vans, additional flexibility is introduced by allowing “banking & borrowing” for 2030-2032. An additional flexibility is granted for the vans segment, where the electric vehicle uptake has been structurally more difficult, with a reduction of the 2030 CO2 vans target from 50% to 40%. The Commission is also proposing a targeted amendment to the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles with a flexibility easing the compliance with the 2030 targets. Regarding corporate vehicles, mandatory targets are set at the Member State level to support the zero- and low-emission vehicle uptake by large companies. Having more zero- and low-emission vehicles on the market, both first- and second-hand markets – will benefit all customers. As companies' cars cover higher yearly mileages, it also means more emission reductions. It will also make zero- or low- emissions and “Made in the EU” a pre-requisite for vehicles benefitting from public financial support. Strengthening Europe's own battery industry With €1.8 billion, the Battery Booster will accelerate the development of a fully EU-made battery value chain. As part of the Battery Booster, €1.5 billion will support European battery cell producers through interest-free loans. Additional targeted policy measures will support investments, create a European battery value chain and foster innovation and coordination across Member States. These measures will enhance the cost competitiveness of the sector, secure upstream supply chains and support sustainable and resilient production in the EU, contributing to the derisking from dominant global market players. Less red tape and stronger enabling conditions for the transition The Automotive Omnibus will ease administrative burden and cut costs for European manufacturers, boosting their global competitiveness, and freeing up resources for decarbonisation. Businesses are expected to save approximately €706 million per year, bringing the administrative savings thanks to all omnibuses and simplification initiatives the Commission has presented so far to around €14.3 billion per year. Among other things, it proposes to reduce the number of secondary legislation that will be adopted in the upcoming years and to streamline testing for new passenger vans and trucks. This will reduce costs while maintaining highest environmental and safety standards. The roll-out of electric vans in domestic transport is supported by measures that place them on an equal footing with internal combustion vans regarding drivers' rest times and rules. The Omnibus also introduces a new vehicle category under the Small Affordable Cars initiative, covering electric vehicles up to 4.2 meters in length. This will enable Member States and local authorities to develop targeted incentives, stimulating demand for small EVs made in the EU. The Commission is also updating and harmonising car labelling rules, for customers to have complete information about the cars' emissions when making purchases. Background Today's proposals build on the Automotive Action Plan, and input from industry and key stakeholders gathered during the Strategic Dialogue under President von der Leyen's leadership since January 2025. In January 2025, President von der Leyen launched a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry, bringing together industry representatives, social partners, Member States, regions and civil society. Three Dialogue meetings have taken place to date, providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities the sector faces. For more information Questions and answers Factsheet - Taking action for a clean and competitive European automotive sector Factsheet – Revision of the CO2 standards and Corportate vehicles Proposal Automotive Package – webpage (all proposals will be available) Automotive Action Plan – webpage Clean Industrial Deal Net-Zero Industry ActThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved a €1 billion Slovak scheme to support clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the […]

Europe’s bathing waters remain safe to swim

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the vast majority of bathing waters in Europe met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing quality standards in 2025, according to the latest annual Bathing Water report published today. This represents 85% of Europe’s bathing sites, with […]

Countries urged to ‘go further, faster’ and deliver on climate commitments

© Practical Action Bolivia A woman in rural Bolivia operates a solar power-driven irrigation system.This article is published in association with United Nations. The United Nations climate chief called on Monday for countries to step up action to implement existing commitments, warning that fossil fuel dependency is deepening economic instability and exposing vulnerable communities to worsening climate impacts.  Simon Stiell addressed the opening of the UN June Climate Meetings in Bonn, Germany – an important step ahead of […]

Commission decides to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive regarding peat cutting projects  

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU). Under the Directive, Member States are required to carry out an […]

UN warns Ukraine war risks spiralling ‘out of control’

© UNOCHA A heavily damaged apartment building in Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine.This article is published in association with United Nations. The United Nations on Thursday warned of a dangerous escalation in the war in Ukraine after a wave of large-scale Russian strikes and threats of further attacks, with Secretary-General António Guterres saying “the death spiral must stop.” Addressing the Security Council in New York, Mr. Guterres said […]

EIB boosts strategic investment in Mexico together with Bancomext

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), today signed a €150 million loan agreement with Bancomext, Mexico’s state development bank. The new operation will finance Bancomext’s investment portfolio focused on climate, circular economy, environment, and social development. It will support Mexico’s sustainable […]

Europe’s libraries look beyond books as they reimagine their role

This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine.This article was published in association with the Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine. More than 2 000 years ago, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt stood as a symbol of knowledge and discovery in the ancient world. But it was never just a place to store scrolls. It was a meeting point, a place […]

Extreme heat, floods and drought threaten lives across Latin America and Caribbean

© UNICEF/Claudio Pelaez Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba in late October 2025, causing massive devastation across the island nation (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. Record-breaking temperatures, deadly floods, worsening drought and intensifying hurricanes are placing millions of people across Latin America and the Caribbean at growing risk of hunger, displacement and water shortages, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  Launching the regional State of the Climate report […]

Deal to improve the protection of vulnerable adults 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. The new legislation agreed on Tuesday seeks to foster the right to autonomy for adults across the EU. Parliament and EU government negotiators reached a provisional agreement on new rules to ensure that adults in need of assistance in matters such as medical care, […]

Package travel: Parliament greenlights new rules to protect holidaymakers  

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday MEPs gave the green light to revised rules on package travel, enhancing protection for holidaymakers by drawing lessons from the pandemic and high-profile bankruptcies. The updated directive, already provisionally agreed with the EU member states, clarifies which trips and services can be […]

Women’s representation in parliament sees sluggish gains

© IPU/Pierre Albouy Women parliamentary leaders unite for gender equality and peace at the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. .This article is published in association with United Nations. Women held 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide as the year began –a 0.3 per cent increase from 2025, marking the slowest growth in nearly a decade, according to a new report from the UN-backed Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).  The report titled Women in parliament 2025 released […]

EIB Invests €24 Million in TWAICE to Accelerate the Energy Transition with Predictive Battery Analytics

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.This article is published in association with European Investment Bank. TWAICE, the analytics platform built for real-world battery energy storage operations at scale, has secured €24 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), provided as a long-term venture debt loan, backed by the InvestEU programme. The financing will accelerate TWAICE’s growth as electrification drives […]

South Sudan: ‘All the conditions for a human catastrophe are present’

WFP Children in Fangak county, Jonglei State eat a cooked meal of sorghum. WFP provides food rations to food insecure families containing sorghum, oil, salt, peas and maize (January 2022).This article is published in association with United Nations. Military tensions in South Sudan are “rapidly expanding” between Government forces and opposition militia as fighting continues in restive Jonglei state. Briefing journalists based at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said […]

Commission greenlights Portugal’s eighth payment request for €1.1 billion under NextGenerationEU

Commission greenlights Portugal's eighth payment request for €1.1 billion under NextGenerationEUThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission positively assessed Portugal’s eighth payment request for €1.1 billion, of which €828.8 million in grants and €286 million in loans, under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU.  This is an important step in the delivery of the reforms and […]

‘Cycle of attacks must end’: Lead UN official in Ukraine

© UNHCR/Yevheniia Kozun This cinema in Saltivka, Kharkiv, was hit during an earlier strike (file Jan 2026).This article is published in association with United Nations. The senior UN official in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, has issued a condemnation of the massive overnight Russian drone and missile strike on several major Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring civilians, and knocking out energy infrastructure amid sub-zero temperatures. The attacks on some of Ukraine’s most important population […]

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individuals

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individualsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States across the democratic world. […]

MEPs back new measures to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness 

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by one of our passionate readers, Mr. Andrew Gardner, a strategic and international business consultant. The opinions expressed within reflect only the writer’s views and not necessarily The European Sting’s position on the issue.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Monday, MEPs from four committees approved new proposals to accelerate defence investment and improve the EU’s responsiveness in the face of security challenges. The set of legislative files, part of the so-called “Omnibus V” package of EU simplification measures, aims to speed up […]

Risks mount for pregnant women in Ukraine

© UNFPA/Olha Lavryk A mother watches over her newborn in an incubator at the Kherson City Perinatal Centre in Ukraine. (file)This article is published in association with United Nations. Pregnant women took shelter in a bunkerised maternity unit in the Ukrainian city of Kherson last week, after a hospital was struck just 1.5 km from the frontline. The incident comes amid alarming new data from the UN’s reproductive health agency (UNFPA), showing a sharp rise in the […]

Prevention, investment and reform in healthcare bring economic prosperity

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. A new report published as part of the State of Health in the EU shows Europe urgently needs innovative and resilient health systems to improve healthcare and boost competitiveness. With pressing challenges such as ageing populations and non-communicable diseases, EU Member States are now […]

Peace proves relative in Gaza with no let-up in deadly airstrikes

Peace proves relative in Gaza with no let-up in deadly airstrikesThis article is published in association with United Nations. In Gaza, as airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continued to kill and maim Palestinians, UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Wednesday rejected suggestions by the Israeli military that the so-called “Yellow Line” of concrete blocks it has erected inside the enclave represented a new border. “The Security […]

Commission approves State aid for the construction and operation of Poland’s first nuclear power plant

Nuclear energy in the Middle East: A realistic choice or a risk?This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an aid package to support the construction and operation of the first nuclear power plant in Poland. The nuclear plant, with an electricity generation capacity of up to 3 750 MW, is scheduled to […]

UN strongly condemns Israel’s unauthorised entry of UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem

UN strongly condemns Israel's unauthorised entry of UNRWA compound in East JerusalemThis article is published in association with United Nations. The UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said that Israeli police raided its compound in East Jerusalem early on Monday, representing “a new challenge to international law.”  Israeli police accompanied by municipal officials forcibly entered the facility, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on the social media platform X. Police […]

Iraq: UN mission ends, with pledge of continued support

Iraq: UN mission ends, with pledge of continued supportThis article is published in association with United Nations. The recent parliamentary elections in Iraq mark a fitting end to the work of the UN Mission in the country, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.  The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Mohammed Al Hassan, briefed members for the last time as the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to conclude its mandate on […]

Defying the odds: Young entrepreneurs vow to take their chances and build the industries of tomorrow

This article is published in association with United Nations. Young people make a vital contribution to the creation of industries that benefit people and the planet. Their role was recognised on Wednesday at Generation Future day of the Global Industry Summit in Riyadh, with commitments to ensure that their voices are heard and their ideas shared […]
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